Feeling Burnt Out

[shel90]

Every summer, I always look forward to returning to my teaching job in the Fall.

Well, this year, I am not and it is not just a case of wanting summer to last longer. It is a serious case of just not looking forward to planning lessons, dealing with bullying, dealing with parents who blame us for everything that's wrong with their kids, dealing with IEPs, dealing with standardizing tests, dealing with the NCLB, dealing with having to take more college classes to maintain my certificate, dealing with all the issues as a co-chair for the reading action plan committee, dealing with putting in 10 hour workdays, and dealing with little pay.

Stastistics have shown that the average burnt out rate for teachers is around 5 year. This is my 6th year of teaching and I am seriously complementating changing careers.

The only thing that is preventing me from doing that are the deaf children who are so neglected from communication at home, who look forward to going to school where they feel like the are someone, where they feel loved and respected, and so much more.

I wish the economy doesnt stink cuz maybe I can take a year off and recharge.

Any other teachers ever feel that way? Teaching is not an easy job...people think it must be nice to have summers off and all that. It is very veyr stressful trying to wear all these hats during the school year and get blamed or criticized by so many.

To be honest, even here on AD, I see so many posters criticizing Deaf ed teachers especially who work at the Deaf schools. To be honest with u, it gets seriously depressing cuz so many of us work so f***cking* hard for these kids only to get blamed by the general public. It makes many of us just want to walk out and quit and find other careers.

Next time, u are ready to blame teachers for everything, think twice pls.

 

[Byrdie714]

Every summer, I always look forward to returning to my teaching job in the Fall.

Well, this year, I am not and it is not just a case of wanting summer to last longer. It is a serious case of just not looking forward to planning lessons, dealing with bullying, dealing with parents who blame us for everything that's wrong with their kids, dealing with IEPs, dealing with standardizing tests, dealing with the NCLB, dealing with having to take more college classes to maintain my certificate, dealing with all the issues as a co-chair for the reading action plan committee, dealing with putting in 10 hour workdays, and dealing with little pay.

Stastistics have shown that the average burnt out rate for teachers is around 5 year. This is my 6th year of teaching and I am seriously complementating changing careers.

The only thing that is preventing me from doing that are the deaf children who are so neglected from communication at home, who look forward to going to school where they feel like the are someone, where they feel loved and respected, and so much more.

I wish the economy doesnt stink cuz maybe I can take a year off and recharge.

Any other teachers ever feel that way? Teaching is not an easy job...people think it must be nice to have summers off and all that. It is very veyr stressful trying to wear all these hats during the school year and get blamed or criticized by so many.

To be honest, even here on AD, I see so many posters criticizing Deaf ed teachers especially who work at the Deaf schools. To be honest with u, it gets seriously depressing cuz so many of us work so f***cking* hard for these kids only to get blamed by the general public. It makes many of us just want to walk out and quit and find other careers.

Next time, u are ready to blame teachers for everything, think twice pls.

First of all....

Second of all--I highlighted the paragraph that struck out the most, the deaf kids. Remember that you may be their only role model and inspiration.

Yes we do sometimes get tired of the same ol' same ol' as I do question why I am doing what I am doing but in the long run there is good that comes out of it. We may not know it at the moment but in your situation--it may be as simple as understanding a math problem.

Keep your chin up and remember there are us on here that support you in all you do for the future of deaf children.

 

[Chase]

I agree with Byrdie. Good post. I've been a teacher most of my adult life: 11 years an army tactical firearms instructor, 6 years a high school English teacher, 4 a graduate teaching assistant, 13 a college professor. Never took a single summer off.

I agree that the students and ex-students here at All Deaf reflect the nearly universal disrespect for teachers, but it's currently a popular pastime to blame others for our bad experiences and failures, never ourselves for our inattention and lackluster participation. Gracious, no.

I don't doubt there are bad teachers, but nowhere near the percentage seen in the complaints.

One of the reasons I left high school teaching was parents demanding so much more than teaching their children to appreciate literature and write so other could read it. Even that was a challenge with the ones who never cracked a book or did their nails in class. But I refused to teach them the civility they should have learned at home. If they were disruptive a third time, they left my class and didn't return.

Here's what kept me coming back each new semester: In every class, more than half really want to learn. I concentrate on making it lnteresting for them and rewarded them with praise and grades for good participation and work. They also got the benefit of the doubt. To the surley others, I offered repeated opportunities and lots of help if they wanted it, but never something for nothing.

In the last eight years I taught at MSU, I led my department in student evaluations, and the English department led the school. Of course, the secret is to offer evaluations on the last day. Only your best students are still there.

Those are the students for whom I stayed in the profession.

 

[vallee]

Every summer, I always look forward to returning to my teaching job in the Fall.

Well, this year, I am not and it is not just a case of wanting summer to last longer. It is a serious case of just not looking forward to planning lessons, dealing with bullying, dealing with parents who blame us for everything that's wrong with their kids, dealing with IEPs, dealing with standardizing tests, dealing with the NCLB, dealing with having to take more college classes to maintain my certificate, dealing with all the issues as a co-chair for the reading action plan committee, dealing with putting in 10 hour workdays, and dealing with little pay.

Stastistics have shown that the average burnt out rate for teachers is around 5 year. This is my 6th year of teaching and I am seriously complementating changing careers.

The only thing that is preventing me from doing that are the deaf children who are so neglected from communication at home, who look forward to going to school where they feel like the are someone, where they feel loved and respected, and so much more.

I wish the economy doesnt stink cuz maybe I can take a year off and recharge.

Any other teachers ever feel that way? Teaching is not an easy job...people think it must be nice to have summers off and all that. It is very veyr stressful trying to wear all these hats during the school year and get blamed or criticized by so many.

To be honest, even here on AD, I see so many posters criticizing Deaf ed teachers especially who work at the Deaf schools. To be honest with u, it gets seriously depressing cuz so many of us work so f***cking* hard for these kids only to get blamed by the general public. It makes many of us just want to walk out and quit and find other careers.

Next time, u are ready to blame teachers for everything, think twice pls.

This is year 15 for me. I understand the burn out, as I have it. The only thing that gets me out of bed each day is that the children need us. I teach at a low income school with over 60% free lunch. I want to make a differences in their lives.

A dear friend with over 30 years teaching told me yesterday, I did not chose teaching, it chose me! It is a life time choice. The most difficult job choice in my opinion. I saw a student last year before she graduated from high school. She came to visit me(been at the same school for 15 years). We talked and she said she was going to the local university and was majoring in education. I bit my tongue, but she said my classroom made her want to be a teacher. I guess I must change my way of teaching.

Shel - One thing that helped with burn out is making a change within education. I moved from 3rd grade to 2nd grade and then to special education. It enabled that spark to come back. This year I am teaching a fantastic reading program called Language!. I finally have that excitement. I am teaching special education students to read....become independent academic readers.

Oh on the downside, no cost of living raise for our system. Same pay with higher gas and food. So that means less money to spend of supplies.

 

[jillio]

Burn out is high in the educational field simply because educators are asked to do so much more than teach. When you work with a special population, it is magnified several times over.

I have to agree with Byrdie and Chase, and you have already made the statement yourself. I know what a strong committment you have to deaf children, and the strong committment you have to making sure they receive the type of education they are entitled to. It isn't just a job for you; it is an ethical stand. The passion that you have for education, for your students, and for the rights of these students to have the linguistic environment they need can be draining.

You have my complete support and admiration for the job that you do in spite of the many obstacles placed in your way by parents, administration, and governmental regulations. I can think of no one that could serve as a better role model for our deaf students than teachers such as yourself. You are a rare breed, Shelley. There aren't many out there with your level of caring, concern, expertise, and dedication all in the same package.

Keep in mind...if we are able to make it better for one child, we have done well.

 

[Sasha64]

Shel

I can fully sympathise with you and know excactly what you are going through and what it is like to be a teacher teaching our deaf kids to become leaders in the future.

Myself had been in the same boat and always dreaded having to go back to school after a break knowing there alot to do and so little time. I am in a Senior position and have to supervise four teachers on top of all the planning etc..

Like you said The only reason that really keep me going is the kids who really need people like us to give them a safe and nourishing future.

What really bugged me is the parents who is expecting soo much from us but dont even followed it at home and then critising us for not doing our work Sheesh that sometimes peeved me off so I would often have to remind the parents that learning starts in the home and we just provide a strong foundation for their kids to scaffold their own learning.

Us Deaf Teachers are not truly value in our jobs and always get precendent over the hearing teachers when some of them are crap!! Sorry for my pun but that my opinion.
We worked hard for the kids from the depth of our hearts unlike hearing teachers who only there for the money and not the kids welfare. That what annoyed me and often the reasons why it so hard trying to keep up with everything. But still am hanging in there because I just love the kids and watching them matured and grow into confident young kids. Without us Deaf Teachers like ourselves those kids wouldnt be soo better off because we made a little impact on their lives which is more than the weight of gold itself.

So bear in mind Shel I fully agree with what u said and pray and hope u will continue working with the kids or perhaps going a step further of becoming a head of school and making better changes for urself the kids and the community. Hang in there!!

 

[Jolie77]

First of all, I commend you teachers out there on your exceptional bearings that comes with the job. I don't know what it is like to be in a teacher's shoes but as a parent, I have a very tremendous high respect for them, not for who they are but for their hard-working and patience that brings the success in each child.

If it wasn't for the teachers, I would have not got this far with my autistic son. The day my son wrote for the first time, I was so thrilled and without my son's teacher, this would have not been able to happen sooner than later.

So, What I am saying is - When I read this thread, I didn't realize how it is THAT difficult to be a teacher and with that, I even have more respect for you guys because you guys are one of the reasons why kids out there are able to succeed in life and to be a better person as well.

 

[deafbajagal]

For the first time in my life, I hate teaching. This year was the most trying and hardest job I ever had. I think I might have sold my soul a few times. I'm trying to bargain to get it back.

I'm seriously considering quitting. I will give it one more shot this year at my new job...but if I continue to be stressed, dirt poor, and underappreciated...I will find another career.

You can read my ranting at my old thread titled "Teaching? I Wanna Quit!" for more details.

 

[shel90]

Thanks everyone...

I think I am feeling that way cuz in the last 2 years I didnt have a good support system from the aides I got.

2 years ago, my first grade class went from 3 to 6 students during the year and all 6 of them were all at different levels and I had a part time aide who ended up helping out the other class more than mine. I felt I didnt meet each of my students' needs cuz it was too chaotic. No fault of hers..

Last year, my class grew from 3 to 5 students and again I had a part time aide whom I shared with the other teacher. The problem was that my aide was always calling in sick and absent for more than 50% of the school year which left me having to take over her job along with mine. I managed to meet all of my students' needs and even got 2 of them brought from 2nd grade to 4th grade level in reading. The students got the quality education but I got seriously seriously overworked and was exhuasted. I think volunteering to work at ESY (summer teaching school) at a public school furthur delayed ability to recharge.

It is very stressful when new students join our programs throughout the year from other programs, especially the oral/mainstreamed, that failed them.

I will have the same class again this year but this time I will have my own aide full time and she is a 25 year veteran so I think the support system will be a lot better than it was in the last 2 years. If all goes well, I should be ok.

*keeping my fingers crossed*

 

[jillio]

Thanks everyone...

I think I am feeling that way cuz in the last 2 years I didnt have a good support system from the aides I got.

2 years ago, my first grade class went from 3 to 6 students during the year and all 6 of them were all at different levels and I had a part time aide who ended up helping out the other class more than mine. I felt I didnt meet each of my students' needs cuz it was too chaotic. No fault of hers..

Last year, my class grew from 3 to 5 students and again I had a part time aide whom I shared with the other teacher. The problem was that my aide was always calling in sick and absent for more than 50% of the school year which left me having to take over her job along with mine. I managed to meet all of my students' needs and even got 2 of them brought from 2nd grade to 4th grade level in reading. The students got the quality education but I got seriously seriously overworked and was exhuasted. I think volunteering to work at ESY (summer teaching school) at a public school furthur delayed ability to recharge.

It is very stressful when new students join our programs throughout the year from other programs, especially the oral/mainstreamed, that failed them.

I will have the same class again this year but this time I will have my own aide full time and she is a 25 year veteran so I think the support system will be a lot better than it was in the last 2 years. If all goes well, I should be ok.

*keeping my fingers crossed*

I've got my fingers crossed for you, girl!

 

[shel90]

I've got my fingers crossed for you, girl!

Thanks..just found out that my and the other teacher's class just got a new student starting in the fall. Last year, both classes consisted of 6 students and now we will start with 9. As usual kids are still coming from other programs that failed them. My boss told me that the new kid was from a mainstreamed program in the area. *sighs* I wonder how many grade levels of reading is this kid behind and how much we have to work to get him/her caught up. Remmy this is 4th grade and that is the age where trying to catch up becomes very very difficult.

 

[jillio]

Thanks..just found out that my and the other teacher's class just got a new student starting in the fall. Last year, both classes consisted of 6 students and now we will start with 9. As usual kids are still coming from other programs that failed them. My boss told me that the new kid was from a mainstreamed program in the area. *sighs* I wonder how many grade levels of reading is this kid behind and how much we have to work to get him/her caught up. Remmy this is 4th grade and that is the age where trying to catch up becomes very very difficult.

Yes, it can be difficult at that age. Plus, that is the age when the social problems start to show themselves because the mainstream has stunted their growth psycho-socially. Wow...you've got a demanding year ahead of you. Good thing that you have an experienced aid this year.

 

[shel90]

Yes, it can be difficult at that age. Plus, that is the age when the social problems start to show themselves because the mainstream has stunted their growth psycho-socially. Wow...you've got a demanding year ahead of you. Good thing that you have an experienced aid this year.

and a vet teacher of 25 plus years of experience working with the other half of the class. She will have an aide too who is also very experienced.

Yea, my class and the other class have a rep of being the smartest and brightest but most sly/sneaky when it comes to bullying out of the whole school so I hope to tackle the bullying issue early on. Also, a few of them have serious smart mouths cuz they are soooo bright and some of the things they say just amazes me when they are being smart-mouths. Have to have a lot of patience with them..my aide last year couldnt handle their back-talk..she ended up in arguments with them and the kids usually won. They are that smart and cunning at times.

Yes, they are great kids but just that age (10 to 11) their social skills are changing. U know how kids are in that age range..become competitive and bully each other. A few of them know too much for their age if u know what I mean so sometimes I feel like I am talking/dealing with 15 year olds.

 

[jillio]

and a vet teacher of 25 plus years of experience working with the other half of the class. She will have an aide too who is also very experienced.

Yea, my class and the other class have a rep of being the smartest and brightest but most sly/sneaky when it comes to bullying out of the whole school so I hope to tackle the bullying issue early on. Also, a few of them have serious smart mouths cuz they are soooo bright and some of the things they say just amazes me when they are being smart-mouths. Have to have a lot of patience with them..my aide last year couldnt handle their back-talk..she ended up in arguments with them and the kids usually won. They are that smart and cunning at times.

Yes, they are great kids but just that age (10 to 11) their social skills are changing. U know how kids are in that age range..become competitive and bully each other. A few of them know too much for their age if u know what I mean so sometimes I feel like I am talking/dealing with 15 year olds.

I know exactly what you mean. They can be very advanced. And I have heard a few things from kids that age that just amaze me. I had to tell my niece the other day, "That was a pretty witty come back, but you still can't talk to me like that!"

 

[shel90]

I know exactly what you mean. They can be very advanced. And I have heard a few things from kids that age that just amaze me. I had to tell my niece the other day, "That was a pretty witty come back, but you still can't talk to me like that!"

Yea, at the end of the school year in May, I punished one of my students for leaving recess to go in the building without asking permission. She never did that before cuz she was always so well-behaved but she knew better to do that. So, I gave her the consequences and she got all angry and told me that I hadnt taught her that rule yet and that it wasnt fair for me for her to expect to know the rule if I hadnt taught her it yet. That was coming from a 9 year old!!! OOOOOH, I could feel my face turning red cuz she was ranting and raving on how unfair the system was. I just took control of my emotions and calmly told her that it has been a rule since Fall and we all follow it.

 

[jillio]

Yea, at the end of the school year in May, I punished one of my students for leaving recess to go in the building without asking permission. She never did that before cuz she was always so well-behaved but she knew better to do that. So, I gave her the consequences and she got all angry and told me that I hadnt taught her that rule yet and that it wasnt fair for me for her to expect to know the rule if I hadnt taught her it yet. That was coming from a 9 year old!!! OOOOOH, I could feel my face turning red cuz she was ranting and raving on how unfair the system was. I just took control of my emotions and calmly told her that it has been a rule since Fall and we all follow it.

They can really try your patience. I just had an emergency. Check the "Whatever you feel" thread, LOL.

 

[Wokamuka]

I will always remember my teachers. The ones I learned most from, I respect the most. The "happy" ones are in the background while the ones who were just there for the paycheck; I still have the voodoo dolls of them.

Your first class of students will be graduating this coming year? Perhaps meeting them would re-charge your amazing passion for teaching.

 

[Miss-Delectable]

Hope this year will be a better one for you. It helps that you'll have aides in the room with you. My mother taught special needs kids, but didn't have an aide full time. She'd be lucky enough to get one perhaps 2 half day a week. Boss wouldn't give her what she needed because they said she's so capable. The result: she burnt out by getting sick so often, then she retired.

You'll be okay, I believe that.